Kol Beth Aaron
April 2016
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Adar II / Nisan 5776
From the Rabbi: communal obligations The timeless themes of Pesach are well known to all of us. It is almost easy to recognize and focus on ideas concerning freedom, chametz and matzah, and divine providence. Yet, while these concepts may capture most of our attention, there are a number of more subtle notions that are integral to the Pesach process. We are aware that being the beneficiaries of G-d’s unmatchable bounty did not come without enormous responsibility. The demands made of us in perek 12 of Shemot, in the heart of the Exodus narrative, underscore the level of commitment required to sustain full membership in the chosen nation. The mitzvah of setting the calendar, the many levels of sacrifice entailed in Korban Pesach, and the laws regarding chametz and matzah serve not only as reminders of the miracles performed on our behalf, but also as powerful examples of our own duties and obligations. In that sense, it is striking that the instructions concerning the Korban Pesach are specifically addressed to “Kol Adat Yisrael.” While this formulation is not unique to this mitzvah, it is not used for most other mitzvot. Ibn Ezra is troubled by its application here, and he concludes that the Torah is indicating that every individual generally obligated in mitzvot also is obligated in the Korban Pesach. His explanation only seems to push our question along. Why would it be necessary for the Torah to stress how every member of the klal is included in the mitzvah? Wouldn’t this be implicit in the basic commandment? Our own experiences with communal obligations provide us with a simple answer. While there will always be causes and issues that we identify with more and those we care about less, there is a third category as well. This category encompasses such important communal activities as tzedakah drives, food collections, blood drives, and the like. Although we acknowledge them to be of paramount importance, we often are content to leave them for “the other guy.” The Torah’s position is clear. Although fulfillment of the crucial mitzvah of Korban Pesach may not be easy, it nevertheless is incumbent on each and every individual. It is simply not good enough to support the Korban Pesach effort in principle. The bringing of the korban is an obligation placed upon each member of the community. Therefore, the Torah’s wording in introducing one of the very first mitzvot given to Klal Yisrael is specifically designed to combat this common element of human nature. Our reaffirmation of the values and lessons learned from the Pesach story hinges on our acceptance of this responsibility. It is not only that each generation must view itself as if it has been redeemed from Mitzrayim, but that each individual, within each generation, also must view himself or herself as an integral part of that process. (continued on page 27)